Monday, 10 March 2014

Possibly the hardest job for any wedding photographer is to get the perfect portrait shots of the bride and groom. Only a truly talented tog can tread the narrow line between romantic and cutesy, loving and lovey-dovey. These gorgeous shots by Cotton Candy Wedding Photography are a lesson in how to do it well! It helps that the fabulous Lennie and Geraint are comfortable in front of the camera, and clearly super loved up! But aren't they fabulous? I'm also seriously obsessed with Lennie's fantastic wedding reception details. From the hand-painted wedding stationery {by one of her bridesmaids}, to the champagne cork place markers and mercury glass vases, every detail is elegant and perfectly placed. Huge kudos to Lennie for using {handmade!} tumbling white macaroons as decorations for the naked wedding cake - it's the first time I've seen them used as decorations, and it's SO effective. Enjoy the pictures, and don't miss Lennie's answers to the Before the Big Day Bride's Questionnaire, including her clever idea for a wedding guest book!

We got married on the 2nd November 2013 in our little church, St Mary Magdalen's in Mortlake, followed by our reception in the wonderful Pembroke Lodge in Richmond Park, London.

St Mary Magdalen's was a no-brainer it is a beautiful church in our parish. Also we live locally to Richmond Park, and spend a lot of time either wandering through on a wintery Sunday afternoon, or picnicking in the summer, so Pembroke Lodge was ideal.

I've long been a massive fan of winter weddings. They're a brilliant first step to making your wedding stand out from the crowd - after all most couples chose to celebrate their big day in the summer. With a winter wedding, you're more likely to get your guests to accept {no summer holidays}, and you can have so much fun with cosy wedding details - I'm thinking spiced cider and hot chocolate for your drinks reception, gloves and blankets for wedding favours, and a roaring fire in the middle of your reception venue. Lennie and Geraint chose Fireworks Night for their wedding day, and Pembroke Lodge as an inspired wedding venue. The Lodge looks over the the Thames Valley, so they had an amazing
view of all the local firework displays - for free! Lennie and Geraint chose a London and Paris theme for their big day, to reflect the cities where they met, and romanced. They added jewel colours for their palette, including bright purple and teal blue - perfect shades to pop on a dull November day. I love Lennie's dramatic United Nude shoe-boots, her berry-filled bouquet, and snug fur coat - the whole wedding party look so glamorous! More gorgeous wedding details to come in the reception photographs - huge thanks to Gem and Phil from Cotton Candy Wedding Photography for these lovely shots!

We got married on the 2nd November 2013 in our little church, St Mary Magdalen's in Mortlake, followed by our reception in the wonderful Pembroke Lodge in Richmond Park, London.

After trying on a lot of dresses in a lot of styles the Marylise Sofia dress felt right. It was understated, and made me feel elegant and beautiful, without any lace or sparkles - which is what I thought I would end up with! It also made a bridesmaid cry and my mum speechless which meant it was the one!

Tuesday, 29 May 2012

With just too many pictures to fit into one wedding blog post, here is Part 2 of the deliciousness which is Amanda and Derrick's desert wedding. Soak up the wedding details - I'm loving the teal tablecloths teamed with vintage hydrangea blooms and single succulents. Also the I Spy photo list, designed to encourage your guests to snap as many wedding pictures as possible, it also works as a great ice-breaker to get your guests talking. Buy a similar porcelain ring dish from Paloma's Nest - they're the classiest way to display your wedding rings. Amanda and Derrick chose Reflections at the Buttes in Arizona as their ceremony venue and the beautiful The Wright House for their reception. Gorgeous pictures published with thanks to Photography By Verdi, and if you missed Part 1, click here.

Most brides seem to choose pink, grey or sage green as their wedding theme colours, and I was no different. But how about picking are more unusual colour palette? Amanda and Derrick chose teal and purple for their wedding accent colours, and their wedding looks beautiful against the Arizona desert landscape. Like many American couples, Amanda and Derrick chose to do a first-look photo shoot ahead of their ceremony, which always makes for the best pictures. There are tonnes of portrait picture ideas here, including the blackboard 'Thank You' shot, which I'm sure they used for their wedding thank you cards! Stealworthy ideas include the succulents in Amanda's stunning bouquet, her bridesmaids' simple strappy sandals {it's kind to give your bridemaids a choice between flats or heels} and the cute monogram baubles hanging off each bouquet. Some brides attach a vintage broach or necklace to their bouquets, or a locket with pictures of their grandparents. It's a lovely way to carry your loved ones with you as you walk up the aisle. Gorgeous pictures published with thanks to Photography By Verdi - more from their reception and wedding ceremony coming later this afternoon.

Updated daily & brimming with wedding ideas and inspiration, Before the Big Day is the best wedding blog for couples looking to make their big day stand out from the crowd. With 100's of real weddings, fantastic wedding theme ideas, unique DIY wedding projects & all the hottest trends, it’s the best UK wedding blog for the inspired bride.